Heading north to escape the cold

Ask a Sydneysider and they'll tell you this has been a really cold winter.

Readers from the other southern capitals might scoff.

Whatever, the urge is growing to "get away" for a week or two to somewhere tropical as a yearly plan to survive winter. It's easy to pop up to Port Douglas in North Queensland, for instance, with currently competitive airfares.

The many comfortable places to stay all have pools that don't need heating.

This is really a rehearsal for next year, but there are still deals to be had now with plenty of cold southern weather still likely.

Another example of Port Douglas deals still around is The Pavilions apartments' "stay six nights, seventh night free" at $858 for two, valid until October 20.

Or the Oaks Lagoon, boasting six pools, offers, up to September 22, a "stay seven nights, pay five" deal with rates starting at around $120 a night for a "hotel spa" room.

One-bedroom apartments start at $146 a night, up to $185 with a private plunge pool. Check these and other deals at portdouglasinfo.com.

Once you're secure in your apartment overlooking the pool you will need to eat. A couple of recent visitors recommend The Tin Shed attached to the Combined Clubs, a local favourite, for its meals and views. If you're looking for cheap and cheerful, try the cafes in Grant Street.

If you're content to stay in Cairns, perhaps making a 1 and a half-hour bus ride to Port Douglas for a day trip, switch to cairnsinfo.com and research the many deals available there.

When you're ready for a change, why not try Penang in Malaysia or the Big Island in Hawaii for your winter break?

Malaysia is great value and top temperatures and food are guaranteed. Air Asia has cheap fares.

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